Roy Hodgson Angry Over Andros Townsend 'Monkey' Furore

The unwelcome headlines for Hodgson came little more than 24 hours after he guided England to qualification for Brazil 2014 with a 2-0 defeat of Poland.

The FA was quick to give Hodgson its full backing over the joke about a monkey in space, which it is believed he used to illustrate why his players should give the ball to winger Townsend at half-time during Tuesday's victory.

"We have just had a successful period and, although I wouldn't suggest we intend to rest on our laurels, I think we have earned the right to enjoy the fruits of our labours. Instead we get this."

Chris Smalling (right) was advised to "feed" Townsend

Lord Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, had initially called for the FA to investigate but the anti-racism campaign group accepted the matter was now concluded following a statement from FA chairman Greg Dyke that confirmed no complaint had been made and none of the players was unhappy with Hodgson's words.

It is not clear how part of the manager's team talk came to be in the press, and Wayne Rooney described the accusations of racism against Hodgson as "absolutely ridiculous".

Seen the story on roy this morning. He done nothing wrong. This is ridiculous.